Shelby McRay Higgins (85) of Racine, WIS

Shelby McRay Higgins, age 85, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away at 8:38 AM Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at his home. 

Funeral services celebrating Shelby’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, February 17, 2022, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Kevin Colclasure officiating. Burial will be in the South Muddy Cemetery north of Ingraham, Illinois. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. In loving memory of Shelby, memorials may be made to the GRHS Alumni Association and can be mailed to the Higgins Family, 4805 Conlaine Drive Racine, Wisconsin, 53402. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here. 

Shelby was born on September 3, 1936, in Grandfalls, Texas, the son of Frederick Oscar and Margarette Edna (Fite) Higgins.  He married his high school sweetheart on August 12, 1955, in Concord, California. And to think it all started when Betty told Shelby to “Shut up” when he told her to get to class.

Shelby graduated from Mt Diablo High School in Concord, California, with the Class of 1955, where he played football and track. He worked for the United States Postal Service for a few years. Then he went to work for International Harvester and later CaseIH, where he worked as a technical writer. He retired with over 30 years of service.

Shelby was a devout Christian. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling and being “Mr. Fix It.” With his big smile on his face, he was willing to lend a hand to those in need.

Shelby is survived by: Wife of 66 years - Betty Higgins; Children - Deborah (husband David) Brown; Fred (wife Dawn) Higgins and Cathi Higgins; 4 Grandchildren and several great grandchildren; Brother - Jim (wife BJ) Higgins; Sister - Margaret Canavan.

Shelby was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.